Australian speedway rider
Robert Blackadder (born 7 December 1955) is an Australian former motorcycle speedway rider. He earned four international caps for the Australia national speedway team.[1]
Biography
Blackadder, born in Cessnock, New South Wales, began his British leagues career riding for Newcastle Diamonds during the 1975 New National League season.[2] Newcastle had been re-formed by Ian Thomas[3] and the club signed a new team ready for 1975, which included the Owen brothers (Joe and Tom Owen), in addition to the two Australian riders, Blackadder (aged 19) and Ron Henderson (aged 17).[4]
Blackadder made an immediate impact, supporting the Owen brothers and helping the Diamonds to the runner-up position behind Birmingham Brummies. The following season in 1976, the Newcastle team dominated and won the league and cup double and the fours.[5] Blackadder improved his average to 8.61[6] and was later called up to represent the Australian speedway team.[7]
The 1978 season resulted in further improvement with Blackadder peaking at a season average of 9.10.[6] He became the captain of Newcastle and continued to ride for Newcastle until the early part of the 1982 season,[8] which came to a premature end for him following a compound fracture of his left wrist after a crash in March 1982.[9] After the Speedway Control Board introduced new points restrictions to the team building for 1983 season, Blackadder was released by Newcastle and he returned home to Australia.
He also rode a few matches for other clubs in division 1 such as Hull Vikings.[10]
References
